Are the rates of multiple myeloma on the rise globally?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Multiple myeloma rates are rising globally, though the pace of increase varies by region. Worldwide incidence has grown significantly over recent decades, driven by aging populations, improved diagnostic capabilities, and lifestyle and environmental factors. Higher-income countries typically report greater incidence rates, while developing regions are seeing faster relative increases as detection improves.

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Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood cells. Recent studies show that the number of people with multiple myeloma is going up around the world, though this can vary in different countries.

Global Trends: Based on the research, including Reference 1 and Reference 2, there is a noticeable increase in the rates of multiple myeloma worldwide. This suggests that more people are being diagnosed with this condition over time.
Regional Differences: In some countries, like China, the burden of multiple myeloma is also rising, as noted in Refernce 3. This shows that while the global trend is increasing, specific regions may experience different rates of increase.

Understanding these trends is important for planning healthcare resources and ensuring that people with multiple myeloma get the care they need. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms or have concerns about your health, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing them. It's also crucial for scientists who are working to find better treatments and possibly a cure for this disease.

(References)

Padala SA, Barsouk A, Barsouk A, Rawla P, Vakiti A, Kolhe R, et al. (2021). Epidemiology, Staging, and Management of Multiple .... Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 33498356.
Hou Q, Li X, Ma H, Fu D, & Liao A. (2025). A systematic epidemiological trends analysis study in .... Scientific reports, 39820043.
Dou X, Duan G, Zhong Y, Liu Y, Peng N, Wen L, et al. (2025). The burden of multiple myeloma in China: Trends from .... Cancer letters, 39755360.

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